Xano - Math Operators

Hey there! In this blog post, I'll walk you through how to perform math operations using Xano's intuitive visual interface. Whether you need to do simple calculations or complex mathematical formulas, Xano has got you covered. Let's dive right in!

The Long Way

Sometimes, you might want to break down a calculation into multiple steps for better clarity or to handle complex logic. Here's how you can do it:

1. Create a Variable: Click the blue "+" button in the Function Stack, navigate to "Data Manipulation," and select "Create Variable." Choose the data type (e.g., Integer, Float) and assign an initial value (e.g., 80 for Fahrenheit).
2. Perform Operations: Repeat the following steps for each operation:

• Click the "+" button and go to "Data Manipulation" > "Math."
• Select the desired operation (e.g., Subtraction, Multiplication).
• Choose the variable from the previous step.
• Enter the value to perform the operation with (e.g., 32 for subtracting from Fahrenheit).
• Click "Save."

1. Run and Debug: Use the "Run and Debug" button to see the result of your calculations at each step.

For example, to convert 80 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius, you would:

1. Create a variable with the value 80.
2. Subtract 32 from the variable.
3. Multiply the result by 5.
4. Divide the result by 9.

This approach can be handy when you need to break down a complex formula into smaller, more manageable steps.

The Clean Way

Xano also allows you to chain multiple operations together using filters, resulting in a more concise and readable code. Here's how:

1. Create a Variable: Follow the same steps as before to create a variable with your initial value.
2. Add Filters: Click the "Add Filter" button and select the desired operation from the "Math" section (e.g., Subtract, Multiply, Divide).
3. Chain Filters: Repeat the previous step to add more filters, chaining them together in the correct order for your calculation.
4. Configure Filters: For each filter, enter the necessary value (e.g., 32 for subtracting from Fahrenheit, 5 for multiplying, 9 for dividing).
5. Round Result (Optional): If you need to round the result, add a "Round" filter and specify the desired precision (e.g., 2 for two decimal places).
6. Save and Run: Click "Save" and then "Run and Debug" to see the final result.

Using the same Fahrenheit to Celsius example, you would:

1. Create a variable with the value 80.
2. Add a "Subtract" filter and enter 32.
3. Add a "Multiply" filter and enter 5.
4. Add a "Divide" filter and enter 9.
5. Optionally, add a "Round" filter and specify the desired precision.

This approach results in a more compact and readable code, especially for simple calculations or formulas.

Bonus Tip: Custom Functions

If you have a formula or calculation that you'll be using repeatedly, consider creating a custom function. This way, you can encapsulate the logic into a reusable component, making it easy to invoke the calculation with a single click wherever needed.

Remember, Xano's documentation is always there to help if you get stuck, and our team is just a message away if you need further assistance.

Happy calculating with Xano!